“I’m about ready to tackle Brittany if she doesn’t shut up,” she answered. “I’d rather not do it in front of the police.”
Yes, he’d made the right decision. He would have to watch her closely or she would let her emotions get the best of her.
“Don’t you find it weird that Brittany hasn’t shown any concern for Heidi?” Cole asked as he watched the bride-to-be pace the floor. “All she’s worried about is whether this affects her wedding ceremony.”
“You never know how someone will react in a stressful situation,” Angie said. She paused and glanced at him. “But, honestly, I expected this from Brittany.”
“Why?” Brittany wailed as she sat down with a thump. Several women rushed over to pull her back up. “Why did she have to have an accident right before the wedding?”
“Does she expect you to go over there?” Cole asked. “You are a bridesmaid. Isn’t taking care of her one of your duties?”
“Not going to happen,” Angie said. “What did the police say about Heidi? Was it an accident?”
“The police are treating it as one. I can’t say that it wasn’t.” He hoped it was an accident. If someone harmed her, he had no evidence of motive or means.
“I warned her not to wear those heels!” Brittany’s voice rang through the club.
“Great, now she’s revising history.” Angie slid down in her chair. “You may have to hold me back.”
He knew it was all talk. Angie could take down a man twice her size but the only time he’d seen her use those skills was in the bedroom. Cole smiled as he remembered those lighthearted moments and the hot sex that came after. He shifted restlessly in his seat and tried to focus on something else. “How do you know she’s not telling the truth?”
“Brittany told Heidi to buy those shoes,” Angie said. “We were at the mall picking up last-minute stuff for the party.”
Cole watched the police leave the scene. “Seems like everyone can go home now. I can finally get out of these leather pants.”
“And this bachelorette party from hell has officially ended.” She tensed beside him. “Brittany is coming over here. I will not be held accountable for my actions.”
“Think of Patrick,” he advised. “The guy has been your best friend for years.”
“That should count for something. He’s only known Brittany for a year.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said, feeling suddenly weary. He knew from experience that Angie needed to take a step back and keep her mouth shut or she would regret it. “Patrick will choose Brittany’s side over yours every time. Take my word for it.”
Angie gave him a sharp look as if his advice revealed something she hadn’t seen in him. He was almost grateful that Brittany was suddenly standing in front of Angie.
“We’ll need an emergency meeting,” Brittany told Angie as she tried to wipe the mascara streaks with a tissue. “Meet up at the usual Starbucks tomorrow afternoon at four.”
“Why?” Angie asked. “Are we going to visit Heidi?”
“We don’t have time for that,” Brittany said, dismissing the suggestion with the wave of her hand. “We have to decide what happens if Heidi can’t be maid of honor. A groomsman will need to be let go. Then we have to rework the processional and recessional. I really don’t need this extra work.”
“Your maid of honor was seriously injured at the bachelorette party,” Angie reminded her.
“Careful,” Cole muttered.
“Shouldn’t you postpone the wedding? Maybe downsize it?” she said hopefully.
Brittany took a step closer. “I’m already down one bridesmaid.”
Angie frowned and her mouth was set in a straight line. “But...”
“Angie—” Brittany’s voice dropped “—I have planned my wedding for years. I have waited for this day. Nothing and no one is going to get in my way.”
Cole didn’t like the threat he heard in Brittany’s voice. He grasped Angie’s forearm, reminding her that he was there as backup. He was tempted to pull her behind him and wedge himself between Angie and Brittany.
Angie went rigid. He sensed her struggle, but after a tense moment, Angie nodded and smiled. “Got it.”
“Good.” Brittany glared at Angie before she swiveled on her impractical heels and stalked off. “Be at Starbucks by four.”